The Potty Training Motivator... Oh, and our Anniversary!!

[KMZOB]

Hi! This is my first attempt at a Pre-Trip report (any trip report for that matter)...but I thought I love reading everyone else's...let me give it a shot!

So...you are wondering about the Title...well...this started as a 5th Wedding Anniversary family vacation. We took our DS to WDW last November and he absoutely loved it. This year we said since DH and I have never gone on a honeymoon, much less celebrated our Anniversay really, we would go to WDW again to celebrate our family and 5 years of marriage. Well, then it hit me...I have been trying to potty train DS3 for a while now. He was interested, then not so interested, now while he is quite capable he just refuses (go figure, he's a toddler!). I just figure he knows how, he just doesn't...so What's a better motivator than The Mouse?! So while we are celebrating our Anniversary, it is the carrot being dangled in front of DS and leading him to the potty...I'm sure the Pre-Trip report will mention how well that is working.

OK..who are we you ask? Well, here is the Cast of Characters:

Me: Michelle, 30, Software Designer by Day, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator by Night, and DW and Mother all the time! I love Disney, always have, always will. In fact in my Senior Yearbook it says that Someday I would be CFO for Disney. Well, that hasn't happened, but I can handle just visiting The World! I am not a big ride person. Nothing that goes high, spins, or drops. I like Fantasyland except Dumbo (too high!) So, if you haven't guessed already-I'm the photographer of the family when we are at Disney. Thank Goodness for PhotoPass or I would never be in any of the pictures.

DH: Keith, 41, Production Supervisor by Day, and DH and Dad all the time! He is a thrill seeker. Nothing too fast or high for him. Loves coasters. I spend a lot of time waiting for him to go on rides...but that's okay by me...I get to soak in the Magic!

DS: Zach, 3, Perfect Prince all the time. Well, perfect for a toddler. He loves Disney too! He is a thrill seeker. Loves to spin, go high and fast. His First trip to the World was in November last year. He rode Buzz Lightyear 4 times, and the Tea Cups 3 - you name the ride, he wanted to go on it. Thank goodness for my sanity he was too short for the real thrill rides. I love seeing Disney through his eyes. I don't think anything has made me happier than seeing how much he enjoyed our last trip. I'm hoping this one will be even better!

So there you have it, that's us. Next we'll explore "How this trip Came About" and "Should I really be bribing my kid with a trip?"

EDITED TO SAY...NEW PLAN ON PAGE 2!

Thanks for reading! Hope you'll enjoy!

 

[KMZOB]

I had been to Magic Kingdom and Epcot a couple of times as a kid. And in 2001 my DH and I (we were engaged at the time) went to FL to visit his parents. They had moved to Leesburg the year before. We decided we were going to go to MK and Epcot. So his parents got us a night's stay at ASMu. It was great. I had never stayed on property before. What a great way to do it! We had such a great time.

Skip ahead 5 years, we're married with a 2.5 year old. We take a trip to visit family again. It's our first official Family Vacation and this time decide we are going to spend 4 days at Disney on top of the time we with family. We experienced Disney through DSs eyes this time. And every since DS has been asking to go back. At 3 he's pretty persuasive. A WDW commercial can't come on without him saying "That's Cinderella's castle, can we go back?" So, I start thinking and thinking...when can we go. Maybe November again, that was fun...nah...maybe January for DSs 4th B-day...then I stumble on the "Free Dining" and I say..."Eureka! I've got it!!" I remembered reading about this September Free Dining and Magical Beginnings. This was it...the trip to take...and it's perfect timing since DH and I will be celebrating our 5th Wedding Anniversary Aug 31st. We need to plan it around then. We never had a honeymoon...so this is P-E-R-F-E-C-T, Perfect! Time to celebrate our love, with the spawn of our love, in a place that we love! What could be better?

So I tell DH, we really need to start focusing on our family..things have been stressful lately and we really need to take time for ourselves...I think we should go away...and I have the perfect place....Disney World!
He says "OK...start looking into it." ...You don't have to tell me twice...Well, actually you don't have to tell me at all..I already started looking into it
I have half the trip planned within 48 hours. I know when & where...it's perfect. You can't beat the price and what a wonderful Anniversary gift!

So now it's time to tell DS...but I am going to use this trip to my advantage.

 

[KMZOB]

Knowing how much DS loved WDW in November...I figured I could use this trip to get him potty trained. Of course like most kids, he's had his ups and downs. At this point he is almost 3 1/2 and I know that he can do it...he's just lazy to it. So..."Operation Potty Training for the Mouse" was launched! At first DS was very much against this. He's a pretty smart kid, so when I would tell him that he needs to do this to go to Disney World, he would say "No...you can't leave without me." You see, Mommy isn't raising no fool!! He's too smart for me...so I have everyone telling him it...Daycare, Grandma and Grandad, Daddy, Aunts and Uncles...you name it, everyone knows! After a month though, still no go! He's completely proving that he is boss.

Well, this weekend was it...the time we were watiting for. I created a great Potty Chart for our Bathroom Door...complete with pictures of the Castle, Jo Jo, Little Einsteins, Buzz, the Fab 5, Lightening McQueen...etc. All his Faves! I put an 8.5 x 11 sheet of cardstock in the center, and that is where he will put his stickers! Each attempt earns him stickers...Brilliant I think...and sure enough...IT WORKED!!! The stickers are really small circles, so it will be a while before the cardstock is full...but that is good, we have 3 months to go. Well, can I tell you how great this is working? He hasn't wanted a diaper on yet this weekend! He has had 1 accident, and that was the first day. He is now telling me that diapers are for babies...

Sorry, off on a tangent....anyways...this trip is working better than planned! And now we get to the fun part...What we have in store for our 5 nights, 6 days!!! Theres Attractions, Shows, Food, Characters and even some Suprises!

 

[KMZOB]

So the plans are well underway. After slaving over the computer for the last month and a half I've got a preliminary itinerary all setup....

Friday 9/7
Arrive at Orlando Aiport at 11:00
Get to POP at around...Noonish
Check in and head to DTD
Check out the shops for a while...get a small treat (maybe at Ghirardelli's )
Then an Anniversary Celebration dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe (this will be our first time there!)

Saturday 9/8
Get up and head straight to Magic Kingdom
Check out some rides and then have Lunch (CS)
Check out some more rides
at 2pm secure a seat on Main Street for the Parade at 3pm
We're going to leave after the parade since we've been there all day and it closes at 6pm anyways.
We'll have dinner at POP (CS)

Sunday 9/9
Get up early and head to Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine
Do the MGM thing...rides and shows.
Hopefully get to see The Doodlebops (Shhhhhhh! That's a secret for DS...especially if we don't get to get tickets)
Take a break around 12:30 and go back to room
Arrive back at 2ish
Secure Seat for parade at 3pm
Hang around for Dinner at 50s Prime Time Cafe
If we're still feeling up to it...Fantasmic at 8:30

Monday 9/10
Get up and head to Epcot
Check out Soarin and other "Future World" attractions
Lunch at The Garden Grill
go back to our room for a break from 2 to 4
go back to Epcot at 4
explore the World Showcase
Counter Service for Dinner
at finally Illuminations at 9pm

Tuesday 9/11
Sleep in a little and get breakfast at POP
Go to MK for our Family Magic Tour at 10:00
head back to room when it's over
take a break and get back to MK at around 4:00
We have dinner at Crystal Palace planned for that night (DH's request!)
Watch Wishes at 8:30

Wednesday 9/12
Get up and go to Magic Kingdom
Enjoy a CS Lunch
Re-ride anything we absolutely loved!! (if the last trip was any idea, DS3 will request to ride Buzz about 100 times!!
Leave park around 3:00 to get ready to go home


So what do you think? The planning is such an exciting part! I can't wait to see it come full circle!!

 

[KMZOB]

We hit 99 days today! DS is doing very well...looks like he'll be going with us!

I still have a couple things to plan out...
I need to find something to occupy DS on the plane. He played with the seatbelt almost the entire time in November...and i am not looking forward to him doing that again. I'm looking at the Leapster. Trying to find one cheaper than the $50 they normally go for--going to be keeping my eyes out!
I also am going to order a small cake for our Anniversary. (Shhhhhh...Suprise for DH!!) But other than that...things are coming right along.
I can't wait for this trip. We really need a vacation!

 

[prncssmel]

98 days now for you and 100 for me!

I am totally down with bribing your kid with WDW. My parents potty-trained me by bribing me with m&m's. Hmmm, that may have something to do with my addicton to chocolate now. But, hey, it worked!

What kind of cake are you getting? I am debating get one for our honeymoon.

 

[KMZOB]

Hi Mel! Thanks for reading!

I haven't decided on the cake yet. Since it is just DH, DS and me, I can't see getting an 8" cake (which seems to the be the first size you can customize). If I got with a 6" cake, I think it has to be vanilla or chocolate cake with buttercream icing. We're fine with that, but I'd like something a little nicer...so I'm a bit indecisive. I'd like to have something with strawberries in it. So, I may get an 8" and share with the staff or those tables around us. Spread the pixie dust, ya know!

So with your experience, should I be concerned DS will become addicted to Disney? That's not such a bad thing!!

 

[prncssmel]

There are much worse things to be addicted to than Disney.

Same problem with the cake here. I was thinking we would just getit the 1st night, then just save it and eat it slowly all week. But sharing it with the other people is an excellent idea. I never would have thought of that.

 

[KMZOB]

Hey Mel,
I would totally get it and save it if you have a refrigerator. We aren't going to have one. We are staying in POP and last trip we had a fridge, but we didn't really use it. I can't see renting one, but I've been going back and forth on it.
Have you checked out the pictures in the birthday and anniversary cake thread? They are to die for!!!

 

[KMZOB]

So after holding on to Toy Story 1 and 2 for over a year, and DS never wanting to watch it, I finally got him to watch them yesterday. He loves Buzz Lightyear, but he never wanted to watch the movie...go figure! Well, he loved them...of course! And he told me he wanted to go to the Buzz Lightyear store (Al's Toy Barn). I said..."you're in luck...they have it at Disney World!" I told him he could meet Woody & Jesse this time. He was so excited! And he kept talking about how we went on the Buzz Lightyear ride and shot the Zs. (His name is Zachary, so even though he is 3 he is very familiar with the letter Z and knows to aim for it)
He was disturbed by one part of TS2...when Zurg told the utility belt Buzz that he was his father. He kept yelling..."That's not his father!" It was so funny!

 

[prncssmel]

Hey Mel,
I would totally get it and save it if you have a refrigerator. We aren't going to have one. We are staying in POP and last trip we had a fridge, but we didn't really use it. I can't see renting one, but I've been going back and forth on it.
Have you checked out the pictures in the birthday and anniversary cake thread? They are to die for!!!

I have decided yes on the cake. Now I just need to figure out what kind of cake, etc. I have looked at the pics; they are amazing. They all look so good; that is why it is hard for me to decide. I want them all!

Have you looked at a fridge swap for Pop instead of renting? We have to have one b/c DF NEEDS his Starbucks bottled frappuccinos.

He was disturbed by one part of TS2...when Zurg told the utility belt Buzz that he was his father. He kept yelling..."That's not his father!" It was so funny!

That is priceless.

 

[KMZOB]

So I realized that I am really obsessed. I know that this is not unlike many Disney Lovin' people, but I wasn't able to access the internet for 2 days, and I completely was going insane.

I also realize with 90 days to go, I have planned everything. I know what parks on which day, what rides on which days, What food on which days (except CS). I have to make my Mousekeeping Thank You cards...I will post pictures when they are done. I also have started compiling a list of "To Buy" and our packing lists. What's left? Is it too soon to start packing? I probably would start if it wasn't that I needed the suitcases for a quick trip to Port Charlotte, FL in July. My Grandma is turning 80! What a wonderful celebration that will be.

Oh I still need to order our Anniverary cake. I keep wondering if it is way too soon. But, while I'm thinking of it, I should do it. I also need to scrapbook our November trip before our next trip comes so that I don't get the trip memories bumbled up in my head. The November trip is still pretty clear in to me...so I better get working on that too! So, I guess I do have lots to do to prepare!!

 

[KMZOB]

So, I have been staring at my itinerary and I was just about to book our flights...and what did I realize? That I can pay the same for our flights if I fly home on Wednesday the 12th or fly home Friday the 14th. The wheels started going and going and I was up until 2am figuring out what that would mean resort-wise and price-wise....and at 8:00 this morning I did it!!! We had to change resorts, but it's gonna look good....Stay Tuned for the Updates!!

 

[prncssmel]

So I realized that I am really obsessed. I know that this is not unlike many Disney Lovin' people, but I wasn't able to access the internet for 2 days, and I completely was going insane.

I don't even know what people did before the internet existed. How did they function?

I also realize with 90 days to go, I have planned everything. I know what parks on which day, what rides on which days, What food on which days (except CS). I have to make my Mousekeeping Thank You cards...I will post pictures when they are done. I also have started compiling a list of "To Buy" and our packing lists. What's left? Is it too soon to start packing? I probably would start if it wasn't that I needed the suitcases for a quick trip to Port Charlotte, FL in July. My Grandma is turning 80! What a wonderful celebration that will be.

Oh I still need to order our Anniverary cake. I keep wondering if it is way too soon. But, while I'm thinking of it, I should do it. I also need to scrapbook our November trip before our next trip comes so that I don't get the trip memories bumbled up in my head. The November trip is still pretty clear in to me...so I better get working on that too! So, I guess I do have lots to do to prepare!!

When you have nothing left to plan, you just end up making changes and re-planning everything.

If you can't pack yet, yo ucan at least start setting everything aside. IT looks like you do have a lot of work ahead of you, though from that list.

So, I have been staring at my itinerary and I was just about to book our flights...and what did I realize? That I can pay the same for our flights if I fly home on Wednesday the 12th or fly home Friday the 14th. The wheels started going and going and I was up until 2am figuring out what that would mean resort-wise and price-wise....and at 8:00 this morning I did it!!! We had to change resorts, but it's gonna look good....Stay Tuned for the Updates!!

for 2 more days! Now you have even more to plan!

 

[KMZOB]

When you have nothing left to plan, you just end up making changes and re-planning everything.

So True! Now with the 2 extra days, I moved my itinerary around a bit, new ADRs...and a new hotel, so now I have still more research and planning to do!

 

[KMZOB]

Friday 9/7
Arrive at Orlando Aiport at 11:00
Get to AS Sports at around...Noonish
Check in and relax - Maybe go play some miniature golf.
Then an Anniversary Celebration dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe (this will be our first time there!)

Saturday 9/8
Get up and head straight to Magic Kingdom
Check out some rides and then have Lunch (CS)
Check out some more rides
We're going to leave mid afternoon, around 2ish, since we've been there all day and it closes at 6pm anyways.
We'll have dinner at AS Sports (CS)

Sunday 9/9
Get up early and head to Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine
Do the MGM thing...rides and shows.
Hopefully get to see The Doodlebops (Shhhhhhh! That's a secret for DS...especially if we don't get to get tickets)
Take a break around 12:30 and go back to room
Arrive back at 2ish
Secure Seat for parade at 3pm
Hang around for Dinner at 50s Prime Time Cafe
We'll leave after dinner...no Fantasmic this trip

Monday 9/10
Sleep in a little, get some breakfast at the food court and head to Epcot for 11:00 WS opening!!
We'll check out the WS leisurely
We have a dinner ADR for Teppanyaki. I am excited...this is our first time there too. We have a Hibachi grill near my work and I love it. This will be a new experience for DH and DS...I'm sure they'll enjoy it.
After dinner we'll poke around the WS some more and enjoy Illuminations before calling it a night.

Tuesday 9/11
Sleep in a little and grab breakfast in our room (we're bringing pop tarts and granola bars)
Go to MK for our Family Magic Tour at 10:00
head back to room when it's over
We'll grab something small to much on at lunchtime and hang out by the pool.
We'll go back to MK at around 4pm
We have dinner at Crystal Palace planned for that night (DH's request!)
And we'll watch Wishes at 8:30

Wednesday 9/12
Get up and go to Magic Kingdom for the LOEMH (DS should have a great time!)
We'll do some rides and be out of the park by 11
We'll get a CS Lunch at the resort
We will get back to MK by 2pm to secure a seat for the parade
Then we have a dinner ADR at LTT. That should be fun!
we'll then tour the park some more and maybe see Wishes again.

Thursday 9/13
Get up and head to Epcot for RD
Check out Soarin and other "Future World" attractions
We'll get a CS Lunch at some point.
go back to our room for a break from 2 to 4
go back to Epcot at 4 and take a stroll to Cape May Cafe for a dinner ADR
Once dinner is done we'll stroll the beach a bit and depending on how much we got to see at FW in the morning, we may call it a night or do some more touring

Friday 9/14
Go to AK for RD
Check out KS and the trails by the Tree of Life (we haven't done those yet)
Probably go through the Pangani Trail and maybe see some characters at Camp Minnie Mickey.
Will Probably try to get into the RFC for lunch - I love this place!!
Need to leave the park around 3:00
Then ME should be picking us up from the resort about 3:45

I'm loving that we get 2 extra days!!! It is making my itinerary seem more doable and refreshing. While we are doing a park each day, we really are only there for 1/2 to 3/4 days so we shouldn't get too run down!

 

[allysmom1218]

I was just reading you pre trip report and I was laughing about using WDW as motivation for potty training. The reason I laughed is because my DH and I are doing the same thing!!! We just returned from WDW on Saturday (6/9) and while we were there, we bought our DD a Cinderella Dress (the one that the little girls get from the DTD store for $60) well anyway, I am going back to WDW on 9/20 -9/25 for a girls only trip (my DD's age 3 and 21 plus myself) I have tickets to MNSSHP and my DD is suppose to wear her new dress as her costume, well I keep telling her that Disney doesn't let you wear diapers or pull ups under the Cindy dress. I keep telling her that she has to wear panties under it and if she doesn't start going to the potty that we are going to take her dress back to the Disney Store. Well we're into the 4th day of trying and we are having very little luck. And I am also doing the sticker rewards with a calender on the fridge. My DD who was 3 in April is very very smart and I just can't figure this potty training out with her. I think she is just lazy as you said with your son. Isn't it pretty bad when we are being controlled by our children? LOL!!! I am ready to pull out my hair and just let her wear diapers forever. Oh, I forgot to tell you, that I did try to train her before we went on our trip that we just returned from!!!

I just wanted to let you know that there are others out there who hold WDW as motivation also. I bet we aren't the only ones!!! Good Luck!!! I am sending a Big Hug and Pixie Dust your way!!

 

[KMZOB]

I was just reading you pre trip report and I was laughing about using WDW as motivation for potty training. The reason I laughed is because my DH and I are doing the same thing!!! We just returned from WDW on Saturday (6/9) and while we were there, we bought our DD a Cinderella Dress (the one that the little girls get from the DTD store for $60) well anyway, I am going back to WDW on 9/20 -9/25 for a girls only trip (my DD's age 3 and 21 plus myself) I have tickets to MNSSHP and my DD is suppose to wear her new dress as her costume, well I keep telling her that Disney doesn't let you wear diapers or pull ups under the Cindy dress. I keep telling her that she has to wear panties under it and if she doesn't start going to the potty that we are going to take her dress back to the Disney Store. Well we're into the 4th day of trying and we are having very little luck. And I am also doing the sticker rewards with a calender on the fridge. My DD who was 3 in April is very very smart and I just can't figure this potty training out with her. I think she is just lazy as you said with your son. Isn't it pretty bad when we are being controlled by our children? LOL!!! I am ready to pull out my hair and just let her wear diapers forever. Oh, I forgot to tell you, that I did try to train her before we went on our trip that we just returned from!!!

I just wanted to let you know that there are others out there who hold WDW as motivation also. I bet we aren't the only ones!!! Good Luck!!! I am sending a Big Hug and Pixie Dust your way!!

Big Hugs and Pixie Dust right back at you! This Potty Training stuff is hard!! We were doing pretty well, but DS has been having a rough time in the last few months...he's been diagnosed with severe allergies and asthma like breathing problems...so while he was doing well, with all the meds he has been put on, sleep interuptions with treatments...he has had a bit of a relapse. But...we're working on it again! He knows...if he doesn't go on the Potty, No Disney for him. (which of course I could never do...so I hope that he really gets it!! Good Luck to your Little Princess

 

[KMZOB]

The September Potty Training & Anniversary Trip was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances ...However we are rebooking for January. I'm going to create a new Pre-Trip report as a lot has changed....thank you to all who were reading this report!